As widely expected, both AT&T and Verizon Wireless, the two
largest wireless carriers, say they'll use the spectrum to build
"fourth-generation," or "4G" wireless networks using a nascent
technology called "LTE." That's a
competing technology to WiMax, which Sprint Nextel (S) is
using to build its oft-delayed 4G network.

Verizon Wireless plans to
launch its LTE network in 2010; AT&T
didn't announce a time frame. (Update: Om Malik
says 2012.) Last month, Pacific Crest Securities analyst
Steve Clement
estimated that Verizon (VZ) could spend about $5.7 billion on
a network using the new spectrum and AT&T (T) could spend
about $3.5 billion.

Meanwhile,
"happy loser" Google
posted a lengthy note about the auction to its public policy
blog, vowing to maintain a loud presence in Washington as far
as wireless policy is concerned. Google's lobbying is responsible
for the "open access" rules the FCC mandated on the spectrum
Verizon will use for its 4G network. (Verizon will have to let
subscribers use any compatible device and any software
application on those airwaves.)

Google's next project: Lobbying the government with Microsoft
(MSFT), Motorola (MOT), Dell (DELL), and others to
open up so-called "white spaces" spectrum between TV channels
for companies to use for free, high-speed wireless networks.